. >> the education system allegedly. >> yes. >> we get to the crazy stuff out there. the arctic air. we begin this half hour with the ice, the snow and arctic air slamming two dozen states from the west coast to the great lakes. >> parts of northern california are covered in white stuff this morning. blowing snow making for a treacherous commute. the midwest is bearing the brunt of it as citrus growers brace for the worst. here's abc's brandi hitt. >> reporter: preparations are underway for the big chill. the snow already blanketing parts of minnesota and north dakota. >> it's terrible. it's terrible. >> reporter: half of the country is in the path of a polar express and its bitter blast of cold air as it moves south. >> it is wicked. i've never seen it like this before. >> reporter: look at how temperatures are expected to drop by 30 to 40 degrees over the next several days. >> it's january-like cold only it is early december. also, we are looking at temperatures that will challenge records. >> reporter: homeless shelters are expected to fill up fast. >>a lt resblnk